Recent changes in the scale and distribution of forced migrants across the globe are presenting new challenges to healthcare systems in host European countries. Promoting the health status of refugees and migrants has been prioritized by WHO through multiple actions. All call upon Member States to promote the health of refugees and migrants through refugee- and migrant-sensitive health policies and health care, equitable access to health care, evidence-informed practice and refugee and migrant health information systems.

For refugees and migrants, communicable diseases have received the most attention but there is growing awareness that a broad range of issues, such as non-communicable disorders, maternal and child health and mental health, also require targeted policy and culturally sensitive practice. The health challenges span also mental and physical health.

The missions of the European Academies include advisory roles to European and national policies, including on Public Health. The purpose of this meeting is therefore to raise awareness of the European Academies on the particular medical, physical and mental but also geopolitical, and social aspects of health problems of migrants.